XX: Osberne Fares to Eastcheaping and Brings Gifts for Elfhild explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Separation and Longing

  Elfhild's tears after parting and her anxiety about Osberne's future affections highlight the theme of longing and separation.

• Love and Sacrifice

  Osberne uses his earnings from hunting to buy gifts for Elfhild, demonstrating his love and willingness to sacrifice for her.

• Heroism and Growth

  Osberne's hunting exploits and his yearning for deeds of fame show his growth as a young hero.

Characters to notice

• Osberne Wulfgrimsson

  Travels to Eastcheaping, buys gifts for Elfhild, and meets her at the trysting-place.

• Elfhild

  Receives gifts from Osberne, tries them on, but weeps after he leaves.

• Master Nicholas

  Takes Osberne to Eastcheaping and accompanies him during the trip.

• Stephen the Eater

  Helped Osberne kill two bears, contributing to his earnings.

• The Carline

  Mentioned by Elfhild as having said that all women will love Osberne.

Key passages

• “And when he was at high mass, and the monks and the minstrels fell to singing together, he scarce knew whether he were in heaven or on earth.”

  During high mass, the combined singing of monks and minstrels so overwhelmed Osberne that he felt transported to a heavenly realm.

  Osberne's awe at the beauty of the abbey's music.

• “But when he had told last of all about the women and of her who had kissed him, she said: 'Ah, all that is just what my carline saith of thee, that all women shall love thee; and that is most like, and what shall I do then, I who shall be so far away from thee?'”

  After Osberne recounted the incident with the woman who kissed him, Elfhild expressed her fear that he would be loved by many women while she would be far away.

  Elfhild's insecurity and fear of losing Osberne.